You’re being warned to watch out for an emerging scam trend involving suspects who pose as police officers.
East Region OPP say fraudsters have contacted victims by phone, claiming to be members of the OPP and, in some cases, the suspect goes as far as to use the name of a real OPP officer.
In other incidents, police say the fraudster has used fabricated names, titles, and badge information to gain credibility.
Victims were instructed to withdraw large sums of money and either send the funds through cryptocurrency platforms or hand over cash directly.
Police say some victims have sent between $6,000 and $13,000 to these individuals.
You’re being reminded that police will never request money, cryptocurrency, gift cards, or financial transfers over the phone and they will never demand immediate payment, threaten arrest, or pressure you to act urgently.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be an OPP officer and you are unsure of its legitimacy, you can contact the OPP non‑emergency line at 1‑888‑310‑1122.
